How do "wet steam" and "dry steam" differ?

Wet steam and dry steam are distinguished primarily by their composition. Wet steam contains a mixture of steam and water droplets, meaning it has not been entirely vaporized. This presence of water droplets indicates that the steam is in a saturated state, which can be visually identified when steam appears cloudy or misty.

In contrast, dry steam is composed entirely of vapor and is free of any liquid water content. It is in a superheated state where the steam has been fully converted from water, ensuring that there are no liquid water particles intermixed. This complete vaporization is essential for many industrial processes, as it leads to more efficient heat transfer and energy use.

The density of wet steam compared to dry steam varies because the presence of water droplets in wet steam increases its density, leading to the misconception that it may be denser. However, the correct distinguishing characteristic lies in the water content itself, as noted in the correct choice. The temperature or pressure differences between wet and dry steam are not universally applicable since they can vary under specific conditions rather than being an inherent characteristic of the steam types themselves.